Chapter 4: Surprise Encounter

Pope Raphael skillfully quelled the clamor among the elders and turned his attention back to Emperor Miltiades. "This matter holds immense significance for us, Emperor Miltiades," the pope earnestly implored.

Miltiades maintained a stoic demeanor, his thoughts hidden behind an inscrutable expression. The silence grew oppressive, and one of the elders could no longer endure it.

"The selection of the saintess's guardian should follow a fair and sacred procedure," the elder asserted.

"This decision was flawed from its inception!" another elder interjected, his voice brimming with indignation. "Are you underestimating the saintess's judgment?"

"This choice is the culmination of the saintess's visionary foresight! Are you disregarding the weight of her prophecy?" yet another elder chimed in, their voices a chorus of disagreement.

The heated debate raged on.

***

As I surveyed the chaos that engulfed the meeting room, a wave of emotions washed over me. How could I possibly rectify this situation? It felt like I had failed miserably.

While the elders engaged in heated arguments, my attention was drawn to my father. He appeared detached from the noisy commotion, his gaze distant and his expression cold. His calm demeanor and unyielding stance indicated that he would never compromise, yet it did nothing to diminish his enduring beauty. He was undeniably handsome.

No, this wasn't how things were supposed to be. I found myself almost getting lost in admiration of his looks.

Elder Mario was addressing the assembly. "Although this is the saintess's will, selecting an unqualified individual as her guardian is wrong."

I had nothing to add as they debated Miltiades's suitability for the role.

"I agree," Elder Leo chimed in. "The Northern Empire has been hostile toward the Holy Empire for a long time!"

"What if a nonbeliever takes the saintess and harms her?" added Elder Gregorio, nodding in agreement.

These were the very people who had contributed to making Miltiades a nonbeliever in the first place! Having known the story from beginning to end, I was flabbergasted by their behavior. These individuals had once supported the previous emperor but had openly opposed Miltiades's ascension to the throne and had not even sent a priest to bless his coronation. Watching them blame Miltiades for damaging their relationship infuriated me. I wanted to interject and defend him, and if the elders continued, I likely would have. At least they were somewhat cautious with their words in his presence.

This was the perfect moment for the villain to display his dignity. Yes, Miltiades was the villain, the ultimate one. Handsome villains were not uncommon in character archetypes, and he certainly fit the mold. However, in the original story, he met his demise at the hands of the male lead. But now that I was here, I would ensure his safety. First, I needed to resolve this issue. I couldn't go with anyone else but him.

However, the situation was deteriorating rapidly.

"We can't ignore the premonition. What if we choose Duke Ravenhook as her guardian since he also hails from the Northern Empire?" suggested one elder.

I furrowed my brows. What on earth was this elder suggesting?

Meanwhile, Elder Raquel nodded enthusiastically. "Oh, that's a splendid idea."

"He's also Emperor Miltiades's younger brother, so the saintess would still be within the family," another elder chimed in.

"That's a wise alternative," agreed a third.

It seemed the elders had already decided that I would be entrusted to Duke Ravenhook. I couldn't let this happen. I would never go with that man!

Duke Ravenhook had been Priscilla's guardian in the original story, but to be more precise, he was the one who had caused her downfall. I couldn't hold back any longer, and I was about to voice my objections when a stern voice cut through the room.

"I can't stand listening to all this nonsense any longer," Miltiades declared, rising from his chair, and my anxiety intensified. Was he going to leave? Without me? No way! I would follow him even if I had to become a ghost!

Just as I was about to leap out of my seat to go after him, our eyes met. When he looked at me, I was immediately immobilized. He didn't exit the room; instead, he walked calmly toward me. He halted right in front of me, and without warning, he picked me up, lifting me from my seat.

"She's my daughter," he proclaimed suddenly.

I couldn't tear my gaze away from him, utterly dumbfounded, as he carried me out of the meeting room. The elders exchanged bewildered and astonished glances, but I think I was the most blindsided person in the room.

Was I really his daughter?

***

Miltiades's mind raced as he carried the child outside. Why had he done that? Without considering the consequences, his body had moved on its own, taking her before he could regain his senses. Oddly enough, he didn't regret his actions when he regained his rationality.

Still, he knew all too well how the elders would react. He wasn't pleased with the prospect of adoption, nor did he want any association with the Holy Empire. So why had he...?

The tearful look on the child's face grated on his nerves even more than the arrogance of the elders. It bothered him. Why? His actions were beyond his own comprehension.

Meanwhile, the child in Miltiades's arms was smiling, oblivious to his inner turmoil. It was a smile that weighed heavily on him. He didn't say anything to her. Uncomfortable with her bright eyes and sunny grin, he eventually put her down and turned away. He felt an urge to escape from her, but she simply began to follow him, blissfully unaware.

She seemed determined to be by his side. Unconsciously, he slowed his pace a little to help her keep up. Then, she giggled, prompting him to look back at her.

"'She's my daughter,'" she quoted giddily. His new child, the saintess who existed as a miraculous being within the Holy Empire, excitedly repeated his declaration from the meeting hall. "'She's my daughter!'" Her cheerful expression and clasped hands made her look absolutely adorable. "'She's my daughter!'" she sang.

Miltiades couldn't quite understand her. "Are you that happy?" he asked.

She grinned at him and nodded, her infectious smile widening. "You were so cool!" she gushed. Miltiades cracked a smile as well. He didn't know what made him "cool," but witnessing her excitement wasn't so bad. "You were the coolest. Just like a knight!"

There was much to correct in that statement. He wasn't truly her father and certainly wasn't the chivalrous knight she imagined him to be. However, he found himself unable to refute her.

Then, she came closer to him as if he were truly her family, running into his arms. "Daddy!"

He knew he would never be able to treat his own children properly if he had any. That was why Miltiades didn't understand her.

She laughed. "Daddy!"

This was the first time a child liked him, laughing around him and expressing joy. It made no sense that she trusted him, especially considering they had only met a few times. Were all children like this?

"It's okay, Daddy." The child raised her head, revealing her flushed, plump cheeks. She wore a cute and lovable smile. "I won't bother you. I won't throw any tantrums, either. I won't ever let you regret having me as your daughter," she swore.

Her words sounded like an explanation of how useful she could be. Miltiades suddenly felt his mood take a dip. "What?" He didn't want her to feel self-conscious.

He studied her for a while, and she started to look anxious. Was she afraid of not being chosen? He gently put her down and tapped her forehead. "Don't worry about things like that."

She rubbed her forehead and beamed. "Okay!"

He had never considered becoming a father, but... having a child didn't seem so bad. Miltiades watched as his new daughter smiled at him, blissfully unaware of the invisible collar tightening around his neck.

***

Amidst all the hustle and bustle, the adoption process and the transition to the Northern Empire proceeded smoothly. However, a more pressing matter was at hand— I needed to select my guardian knight.

"Is this it?" I inquired, my curiosity evident.

"Yes, this is the dormitory for the paladins," Luciana confirmed with a nod.

"Wow, this is my first time visiting," I remarked, taking in the peculiar atmosphere surrounding the area, just as the novel had described.

"Saintess!" Benjamin emerged to greet me in front of the dorms. "What brings you out here?"

"The saintess is here to choose one of the knights," Luciana replied on my behalf, causing Benjamin's eyes to widen in surprise.

Indeed, my purpose was to select a personal knight.

"I'd like to see Ludwig," I stated.

Benjamin nodded quickly. "I'll fetch him right away."

Typically, saintesses were not allowed to take anything from the temple upon adoption, but I was an exception due to my connection to the imperial family. My adoption was a unique case that granted me the privilege of bringing one of the paladins with me as a guardian knight when I left. The intention, it seemed, was to keep a knight close to me for observation and protection.

I had turned down all the knights handpicked by the senate and the pope because I wanted to make my own choice. The person I had settled on was one of the few knights I could trust in the temple: Ludwig of the Holy Sword.

Ludwig was known for his integrity and his refusal to align with any factions. He was an unfortunate genius who unwaveringly believed in his faith, and his neutrality often resulted in him being burdened with odd tasks. Priscilla had originally discovered and designated him as her guardian when he arrived at the Vatican. He remained loyal to her until the end, sacrificing his life for her.

I vowed not to let him meet the same fate.

While I waited for Ludwig to arrive, a low, seductive voice addressed me, causing me to freeze. "Oh," it sighed, "I can't believe I'm encountering such a precious individual in a place like this."

I recognized the voice immediately. Swiftly turning to the side, I spotted a man standing next to me. An insidious man. This spelled trouble.